1st Coming - Understanding Prophecy
by
D. Yamartino
Page 112 of  57

As further evidence of the majestic heights to which Christ called us, consider this: In the Old Testament we are bidden: "Thou shalt not kill." These four words possess a significance which is beyond our conception. We, who have been given a legacy of war and slaughter for centuries, by a world that has forgotten these words, cannot conceive the joy of the world in a state when these words will have been followed. Oh, what a world that would be! (112:2)

Nevertheless, although these words have the power to bestow untold blessings upon us, blessings which the peoples of the world yearn for, Christ has further lifted the standard of these words to ever loftier heights (112:3)

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: (112:4)

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Matthew 5:21-22 (112:5)

In Christ's teachings are found all that is good; all that is holy. To whatever heights we may rise in our attempt to exemplify His holy words, we must all fall infinitely short of Him who embodied them so perfectly: (112:6)

The reality of Christ, the Spirit of Christ, the perfections of Christ all came from heaven. Consequently, by saying He was the bread which came from heaven He meant that the perfections which He showed forth were divine perfections, that the blessings within Him were heavenly gifts and bestowals, that His light was the light of Reality. He said, "If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever." That is to say, whosoever assimilates these divine perfections which are within me will never die; whosoever has a share and partakes of these heavenly bounties I embody will find eternal life; he who takes unto himself these divine lights shall find everlasting life. How manifest the meaning is! How evident! For the soul which acquires divine perfections and seeks heavenly illumination from the teachings of Christ will undoubtedly live eternally. 'Abdu'l-Baha: Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 450 (112:7)

Anyone who claims to be from God, will no doubt meet the question "What can you do to prove it?" The usual proof sought by people is to request something supernatural - the performance of some physical miracle. This was asked of Christ, who, as we know, did not grant such a request. He did, however, produce an undeniable miracle of a different, and infinitely more meaningful sort (112:8)

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